Detroit Chef Named To James Beard List Of 20 'Chefs To Watch'

Doug Hewitt, of, Freya and Chartreuse has been named one of the James Beard Foundation’s 2026-27 TasteTwenty chefs, a national group of culinary professionals recognized as “ones to watch” in the independent restaurant industry.

The 20 chefs will headline events in their hometowns as part of the foundation’s Taste America culinary tour, which begins Sept. 16 in New Orleans and continues in cities across the country through March 2027.

The foundation said the chefs were selected not only for culinary talent but also for their work beyond the kitchen, including efforts such as supporting sustainable agriculture, investing in restaurant teams, elevating quality ingredients and advocating for a stronger food system.

Hewitt was recognized alongside chefs from cities including Houston, New York, Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles and New Orleans.

The James Beard Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit named for the late chef and food writer James Beard, is one of the country’s most influential culinary organizations. Best known for the James Beard Awards, the foundation also promotes a more equitable, sustainable and resilient independent restaurant industry — work that has made its recognition a major marker of achievement in the food world.

Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails is best known for its farm-to-table American cuisine. It has earned numerous accolades, including Yelp's No. 1 Detroit restaurant in 2017 and 2018.

Freya, known for its prix fixe tasting menus typically served with wine, has also earned high praise, including a spot in the New York Times' most exciting restaurants list.

The national Taste America series comes to Detroit in September 2026.